When I was in my early 20′s, 22 to be exact, I really developed an interest in beer.  I started trying beers.  My toe was dipped in the ocean at the time (now I feel like I’m swimming).  Having been been recently married, I shared my new found enthusiasm with my wife.  One thing is true about women, they listen better and are more thoughtful than us men.  Well, my wife took note of my new found desire for beer.  Around Christmas time I started noticing strange packages that I couldn’t figure out.  By the by, I am extremely gifted at guessing gifts.  Yet I was perplexed.  What was it?  My fixation on the presents grew and grew but to no avail.  Finally, the fateful day was upon.  As I undressed my presents with unbridled avarice, I discovered the gift of a life time. 

My life was changed from that point foreward.  From that moment I was a homebrewer (albeit I had to buy some equipment).  Not only was I a homebrewer, I also gained a huge interest in any and every beer that I could get my hands on.  I tasted qualities and subtleties in beer that weren’t there before.  I studied a beer in the glass before drinking it.  I looked that the bottle intently to see what information I could glean from it.  From time to time, I ask myself what changed on the day that I started homebrewing with a kit purchased by my wife.  Finally, I think I have a suitable answer: perspective!  Suddenly I saw the paradox of beer…simplicity and complexity all at once.  Beer is a wonderous thing, yet it retains its purchase to the common man.  It is the drink of kings, but the inheritance of mankind.  What a lady that brought me to love beer!